Licking and Cleaning: After giving birth, cows thoroughly lick their newborn calves to remove any birth fluids, stimulate circulation, and clean them. This licking behavior helps bond the mother and calf and also serves as a form of massage, promoting the calf's well-being.
Nursing and Milk Production: Cows produce milk specifically for nourishing and feeding their calves. They have mammary glands that produce nutrient-rich milk, which contains essential proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Calves rely on this milk for growth and development during their early stages.
Protective Instincts: Cows are protective of their calves and display maternal vigilance. They may stand over or near their calves, ready to defend them against potential predators or perceived threats. When threatened, cows can become fiercely defensive and use their horns, hooves, and body weight to protect their offspring.
Communication and Bonding: Cows use vocalizations, body language, and touch to communicate with their calves. They may make specific sounds or calls to signal danger or to draw the calf's attention. Through bonding, calves learn essential social behaviors and develop a sense of security within the herd.
Teaching and Leading: As calves grow, their mothers guide them through various behaviors, such as grazing, finding water sources, and understanding herd dynamics. Cows lead by example, teaching their calves how to navigate the environment, find suitable food, and interact with other members of the herd.
Herd Socialization: Within a herd, cows collectively contribute to calf care. While the biological mother provides primary care, other cows in the herd may also show nurturing behavior towards the calves, creating a supportive social environment for their upbringing.
Weaning: As calves mature, typically between 6 to 12 months, the process of weaning begins. Cows gradually reduce milk production and encourage their calves to shift towards grazing on vegetation and other feed sources. This process teaches calves to become self-reliant and independent.